Cola Marinated Pork Chops

In my previous post for Mountain Dew Cake, I had mentioned how soda pop is not only being used to enhance the flavor of desserts, but savory meals as well. In this recipe, cola is being used as a marinade for pork chops. The acidity in the cola breaks down the molecules of the meat, working as a tenderizer. But don't let the acidity level alarm you; as there is a higher pH level in orange juice than in soda; and it is a slow break-down process. That does explain, however, why soft drinks are becoming more popular as a marinade ingredient. Pork chops have the reputation for being a tougher meat when cooked, unless brined or slow cooked; so a soft drink marinade works especially well. Combine the coke with soy sauce, garlic powder, ground ginger, ground mustard, salt and pepper. Marinate overnight; then grill or pan sear for a perfectly moist and delicious pork chop. Wish I had discovered this years ago!

In a 2-cup measuring cup, combine the cola, soy sauce, garlic powder, ground ginger, ground mustard and pepper. Slowly, add the salt. If you add the salt all it once, the cola will literally fizz right over the top of the measuring cup. (I know, because it happened to me on more than one occasion, including this time...lol.) Carefully stir to incorporate ingredients.

Pour 1-1/2 cups of the cola mixture into a large resealable plastic bag. Add pork chops. Seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours). If you won’t be cooking the chops until dinner time the next day, then turn the bag of pork chops over in the AM to distribute marinade on other side of chops.

Cover and refrigerate remaining marinade, which will be used for basting.

When ready to cook; drain and discard marinade from pork. Grill, covered over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until meat juices run clear, basting with reserved marinade. Alternatively, you can sear on stovetop in grill pan until juices run clear (again, basting with reserved marinade).

Not only was this the most tender pork chop, but the infused marinade flavor made it so amazingly tasty!

COLA MARINATED PORK CHOPS
Posted by: www.meldingmagic.com

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (12 ounce) can cola
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger      
• 3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 (3/4 inch) bone-in-pork loin chops

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a 2 cup measuring cup, combine the first six ingredients. Slowly add salt, as it will fizz over top of
    cup if added all at once. Carefully, stir to combine ingredients. Pour 1-1/2 cups into a larger resealable
    plastic bag; add pork chops. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate overnight (or at least 8 hours).
    Cover and refrigerate remaining marinade for basting.
2. Drain and discard marinade from pork. Grill, covered, over medium heat for 5 to 6 on each side or
    until meat juices run clear, basting with reserved marinade. Alternatively, sear on stovetop in grill pan.

Servings: 6